A Sceptical View

Availability: Available to Backorder, No Due Date for Supply, Not for Xmas

Information Society by Christopher T. May

Book Description

In this timely new book, Christopher May surveys some of the most influential and important writings that declare we are entering a new information age. It is frequently asserted that this will bring about a social transformation and that the character of work is being transformed by the widespread deployment of information and communication technologies. In a similar manner we are told the world of politics is changing, with new communities emerging which will alter the practices of politics in profound and novel ways, and which will significantly reduce the role of the state and government. Each of these claims is subjected to a detailed critique. Christopher May suggests that while there have clearly been some major and important changes prompted by the information technology revolution, these are often changes only in the forms of activity and not their substance. The information age represents some marked and important continuities with previous social practices, rather than the overthrow of all that has gone before.
This sceptical view balances and moderates the often hysterical celebration of the new information society - a celebration which, the author argues, often lapses into an apologia for modern capitalism. The Information Society will be of particular interest to students in sociology, politics, political economy, media and cultural studies and information studies.

Other Editions...

Books By Author Christopher T. May

Taking into account of developments at the World Trade Organization and at the World Intellectual Property Organization, this book incorporates the author's research on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). Containing the theoretical and analytical elements, it offers an analysis of how intellectual property is politically constructed.

Key Thinkers for the Information Society provides an introduction to some important social theorists whose work has considerable relevance to today's 'brave new world' of information and communication technologies.

For every $20 you spend on books, you will receive $1 in Boomerang Bucks loyalty dollars. You can use your Boomerang Bucks as a credit towards a future purchase from Boomerang Books. Note that you must be a Member (free to sign up) and that conditions do apply.